On Wednesday, April 2, over 30 Army soldiers will participate in a volunteer community project at the Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The soldiers are members of the Army’s B.O.S.S. program, “Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers.” Working with park employees, the soldiers will create nature trails within a wooded area that will soon be an addition to the park’s current dog park.
The B.O.S.S. program was created in 1989 to enhance the morale and welfare of single soldiers. “Historically, emphasis was put only on Army family programs. B.O.S.S. is an effort to not overlook the single soldier. We hope to engage them through recreation and leisure activities and community service, as well as enhance the quality of their life,” says SE Region program manager Joe Leavell.
The soldiers will be in Charleston attending the SE Region B.O.S.S. conference from March 30 – April 4. Although the conference is held every two years, this will be the first time a community service project is scheduled in conjunction.
“The timing of this project could not be better,” says Erin Guerrero, volunteer coordinator for Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission. “These nature trails will provide a shaded area for our dog park patrons, which will be much needed as the summer months approach. This is a big project, but thankfully the soldiers will help us with the majority of it.”
The soldiers will trim trees, prune shrubs, remove underbrush, and put down sand screen to create the nature trails. The additional dog park area will open at the end of April, and will provide owners and dogs with more off-leash space to enjoy.
For more information on the Palmetto Islands Dog Park, call (843) 884-0832. For more information on the B.O.S.S. program, call Joe Leavell at (404) 464-3084 or email joe.leavell@us.army.mil.
